Kenya

To date in Kenya our partner organisations have been successful in the planting of over 4,500,000 seeds and have distributed 3,000,000 seedlings to the 200 local schools and organisations now involved in planting projects.

Background

With just three percent of its original forests remaining, Kenya has suffered from widespread deforestation and the detrimental impact this has had on its people and environment. The destruction of the forests in Kenya to meet the increased demand for fuel, provide furniture and building materials has compounded problems for a growing population who depend on fertile land and agriculture to sustain them. This has had a particularly noticeable effect in western and central Kenya. Increased levels of poaching in the national parks close to Somalia and Ethiopia threaten the native wildlife and have added much financial pressure in the ensuring of greater protection.

Social instability and continued threats of violence persist, although this has fallen since 2008. Many Kenyans wish to work with our partner organisations to plant trees but there are still significant barriers to overcome.

The Response

Our partner networks and programmes have expanded from the initial response in 2008 to distribute 300,000 seeds. Since 2009 a country coordinator has been employed to meet local demands for services.

Programmes and projects to educate community groups on sustainable agriculture and agroforestry methods in central and western Kenya are now well established. This has included the creation of numerous demonstration farms where local people and community representatives can gain further insight and understanding of the techniques involved.

In areas near protected forests reforestation projects are now underway, and our partner organisations work with local trade schools and women’s groups, providing training on agroforestry techniques in addition to supplying the seeds essential for a sustainable future.